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horse racing

Dead certs

AS A result of a two-year police investigation into race-fixing, six-time champion jockey, Kieren Fallon, has been charged with conspiracy to defraud Betfair customers of millions of pounds.  Also among the principal accused are fellow jockeys Fergal Lynch and Darren Williams, as well as race horse trainer, Alan Berry.

In total, 10 men and women are expected to face trial at the Old Bailey. Fallon also had his appeal against a nationwide riding ban turned down at a special hearing, at the Horseracing Regulatory Authority, and will now have to wait to hear if Irish and French bodies follow suit. ‘Operation Krypton’ was launched early in 2004, when online betting exchanges reported unusual gambling patterns, regarding losing odds-on favourites. Fallon strenuously denies all wrongdoing.

On a more positive note, Richard Quinn ended his unblemished career in the saddle on a high note, with a winner at Royal Ascot. The 44-year-old was champion apprentice in 1984, before going on to ride over 2,100 winners for Paul Cole, David Elsworth and Henry Cecil. His biggest success came for the last named trainer on Love Devine in the Oaks.

Back on the track, Ouija Board and David Junior had been vying for Coral Eclipse favouritism all week, with the first named former Oaks winner, starting the better backed. However, contrary to negative rumours regarding his wellbeing, David Junior was always in control under Jamie Spencer and went clear to win at the furlong pole. Ouija Board could only manage fifth.    
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